Polipoli Spring, Maui, Hawaii
For a quiet, scenic hiking experience, when solitude is a higher priority than birds, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is worth considering. Bird diversity is low, but it does support all four of Maui’s widespread honeycreepers, including Maui Alauahio and I’iwi. Red-billed Leoithrix is also common.
Orientation
Directions
Take Route 37 through Pukalani and Kula. Just after passing the picnic area Harold W. Rice Memorial Park, turn left (east) onto Kekaulike Avenue (a.k.a. Route 377), which leads to Kula Botanical Gardens, then up to the Haleakala Highway. The first right will be Waipoli Road, which takes you to Polipoli Spring, 9 miles ahead.
Birdfinding
The lower portion of Polipoli Spring, on the north-facing slope, is mostly forested, having been planted with non-native conifers and eucalyptus. Common birds include Warbling White-eye, Red-billed Leiothrix, Maui Alauahio, Apapane, and Common Amakihi. I’iwi is also present but uncommon.
The upper portion and all of the south facing slope is predominantly scrubby grassland or semi-open brush. Typical birds include Gray Francolin, Common Pheasant, “Hawaiian Short-eared Owl”, Pacific Golden-Plover, Japanese Bush-Warbler, and Eurasian Skylark.
Maui Alauahio is common at Polipoli Spring. © James Telford
Services
Accommodations
One of the most appealing aspects of Polipoli Spring is Polipoli Cabin, which has space for up to ten visitors. It can be reserved through the Maui District Office of the Hawaii Division of State Parks: 54 South High Street, Room 101, Wailuku; +1-808-984-8109. Campsites are also available.
Notes
Hazards & Hassles
The upper portion of Waipoli Road is unpaved. It is generally passable for all types of vehicles, but depending on recent weather conditions and maintenance, it can be challenging for passenger cars.
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